The Significance of the 1487 Landing at Furness
In 1487, a notable event unfolded as the army of Lord Lovell and John de la Pole landed at Furness, Lancashire. This marked a key moment in the ongoing power struggles during the Wars of the Roses, which were characterized by the conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York. At this time, England was under the rule of King Henry VII, and discontent among Yorkist loyalists, who aimed to restore the Yorkist claim to the throne, was growing.
Lord Lovell and John de la Pole's Background
Lord Lovell was a prominent supporter of the Yorkist cause and had once been a close ally of King Richard III. After the death of Richard at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, Lovell went into hiding but remained influential among Yorkist factions. John de la Pole, 1st Earl of Lincoln, was a key figure and the great-nephew of Edward IV. His claim to the throne made him a significant leader for the Yorkist followers who rallied behind him.
The Objectives of the Army
The primary objective of Lord Lovell and John de la Pole's army was to challenge Henry VII and reclaim Yorkist power. Upon landing at Furness, they sought to garner local support and strengthen their ranks. Their ambitions reflected the ongoing turmoil and division within England during this tumultuous period.
The Aftermath of the Landing
Despite their efforts, the landing at Furness did not culminate in the swift victory anticipated by Lovell and de la Pole. Their forces were significantly outnumbered, and the local support they hoped to find did not materialize as expected.
Battle of Stoke Field
Following the landing, Lovell and de la Pole's forces eventually faced the king's loyal army at the Battle of Stoke Field in June of 1487. This battle is historically recognized as the last significant encounter of the Wars of the Roses, where the Yorkist cause ultimately met with defeat, leading to the death of de la Pole in battle and the downfall of Lovell.
Historical Impact of Their Campaign
The failed campaign of Lovell and de la Pole signified the decline of Yorkist influence in England and fortified Henry VII's position on the throne. This battle not only ended the immediate Yorkist challenge but also ushered in a new era of stability under the Tudor dynasty.
Fun Fact
Interesting Fact about Lord Lovell
Despite being a prominent figure in the Yorkist rising, Lord Lovell disappeared from historical records after the Battle of Stoke Field, leading to theories about his fate. Some speculate that he may have managed to escape and live out his life in secrecy.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on the Wars of the Roses
For those interested in exploring the complex history of this era further, consider reading "The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors" by Dan Jones, or "The Wars of the Roses" by Alison Weir, both offering comprehensive insights into the power struggles of the time.
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